Business insurance · Northern Michigan
Business insurance for the places that make this region work.
Lind & Birch insures small businesses across Northern Michigan: restaurants, wineries, shops, marinas, contractors and short-term rental owners. We compare carriers for business owners policies, general liability, workers’ compensation, commercial auto and liquor liability, and we handle certificates of insurance the same day you ask.
Written and last reviewed by Erik Lind, CIC, licensed agent ·
Dana insures businesses she actually visits.
Restaurants, wineries, shops, marinas and trades across Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties.
Restaurants & bars
BOP, liquor liability, spoilage and equipment breakdown.
Wineries & farm markets
Tasting rooms, agritourism visitors and seasonal crews.
Shops & offices
Property, liability and business interruption for Main Street.
Contractors & trades
General liability, tools and equipment, same-day certificates.
Marinas & outfitters
Watercraft, rentals and customers on the water.
Short-term rentals
Liability and property for cottages rented to guests.
Coverage we place
The policies, in one sentence each.
Plain-language summaries. Your policy’s wording decides what’s covered.
- Business owners policy (BOP). Liability + property in one package.
- General liability. Customer injuries and property damage.
- Workers’ compensation. Required for most Michigan employers.
- Commercial auto. Trucks, vans and employees driving for work.
- Liquor liability. For anyone who sells or serves alcohol.
- Commercial umbrella. Higher limits over your other policies.
14 carriers, one call.
On a live site, carrier names appear here as text first. A logo is added only after that carrier approves it in writing.
- Carrier 01
- Carrier 02
- Carrier 03
- Carrier 04
- Carrier 05
- Carrier 06
- Carrier 07
- Carrier 08
- Carrier 09
- Carrier 10
- Carrier 11
- Carrier 12
- Carrier 13
- Carrier 14
Business insurance questions, answered plainly
Do I need workers’ compensation insurance in Michigan?
Most Michigan private employers do. Under state law you generally need it if you regularly employ three or more people at one time, or at least one person 35 or more hours a week for 13 weeks or longer in the past year. Agricultural employers have different rules. The state’s guidance is at michigan.gov/leo.
What is a business owners policy (BOP), and is it right for me?
A BOP bundles general liability and business property coverage, usually with business-interruption coverage, at a lower price than buying them separately. It fits many small shops, offices and restaurants. Contractors, larger operations and some higher-risk businesses may need separate policies instead.
Does my restaurant, bar or winery need liquor liability insurance?
If you sell or serve alcohol, almost certainly. Michigan generally requires liquor licensees to show proof of financial responsibility, and general liability policies usually exclude claims that come from serving alcohol. We’ll quote liquor liability alongside your BOP.
Does my personal auto policy cover my work truck?
Often not if the vehicle is owned by the business, used mainly for work, or carries tools and employees. A commercial auto policy usually fits better. We’ll look at how the truck is titled and used.
How should a seasonal business handle insurance in the off-season?
Some coverage can be adjusted when you close for winter, like reported payroll for workers’ comp, but property and liability coverage usually still needs to be in force. We review your policy before you close each fall.
How fast can I get a certificate of insurance?
Usually the same business day. Hannah handles certificates for contractors and vendors; email or text us the request and the holder’s details.